101 MTB questions you probably should consider asking

rubikat

Likes Dirt
Notation:
Dear readers,
This is my first foray into the 101 MTB for Girls/Women/Ladies section, so I am working on a format which is very much up for discussion.

Where possible, comments have been drawn from existing posts with the commenters acknowledged – that way interested parties can contact them if desired. Additionally, links to existing posts will be included.

As this is a work in progress - feel free to add/comment where possible. The more, the better as everyone has a different biking experience and the more we can help each other (especially those of us with no idea!), the better.

As with all posts on RB, all comments are made at the commenter’s discretion and any subtext contained therein is solely theirs and should not be applied to anyone else.

Have fun!
Rk 

THOUGHTS ON WOMEN’S SADDLES
And no, its not all about bum size either!

Tonik provides us with a common problem facing many women riders – saddle comfort.
Was hoping I could get some suggestions on saddles. I'm 5'9 and a size 12. I like romantics walks on the beach.... ....I ride technical, fairly rough trails here in Townsville with heaps of ascending and descending so Im off the saddle a fair bit and need something thats not chunky so I dont get caught up in transition.....BUT when doing distance rides, it gets a bit uncomfortable. Last years Hotrock8 I had to shove a frozen powerade down the front of my knicks to numb the pain between laps”.

Some other links on this issuse!
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131553
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118425
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103486

Add you views/comments on women’s saddles to help your fellow riders!

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Some RB members thoughts on saddles for women riders ( as borrowed from existing posts!):

Commenter: Isildur
The new(ish) Specialized Ariel saddle is by all reports great!
My GF was having some serious saddle dilemma's with the stock saddle that came on her Cypher (Giant Carbon thingy - Ouch!). After a couple of hours riding, she would be sore for a couple of days!

On the recommendation of a few different people at a particular bike shop on the northern beaches (who aren't a Specialized dealer), we were sent to a different bike shop to grab an Ariel. Her initial impressions were really good, and although we haven't done a proper ride yet - just tooling about on the streets - she really loves it!

Best to get it fitted though. This is really easy - just go to a Specialized dealer and sit on their "Arseometer" and they can fit the saddle that's right for your sit bones.

She got the standard version, was about $120 I think. There is also a version with Ti rails if you're into weight saving. Although, I think the Ti version has slightly less padding. The shape is still exactly the same.

Hope that helps you to enjoy your riding!

Commenter: Monc
I've also got an Ariel, but the less padded more pricy version (came on the bike), and I've found it to be pretty good, although not totally pain free (on more than 1 hr rides). A friend had the cheaper more padded version and hated it with a passion (too squishy, wrong shape etc).

The Specialised Jett also has some really good reviews, but is more expensive.
Saddle are hard, as everyone's bum, riding style and pain tolerance are different.

Commenter: Pebble
Right now I'm using a WTB Speed V, I also have a Laser V on the other bike but find the Speed V comfier, just a shame that it doesn't come in a lighter version at all!! It's about a medium width and I find it doesn't get in the way on the DH rides.
It's just a combination of width and shape and finding the correct saddle position on your bike - a lot of variables.

The WTB Devo (I tried a used one briefly) I could tell right away it wasn't going to be any good for pedally rides, even though it's about the same width as the speed v it has a different shape. Saddles like WTB Rocket V and SDG RL that came stock on the bikes were all too narrow.

I'd love to find a saddle that's as comfy for me as the Speed V but a bit lighter when it comes time for replacement.

So you could go to the Specialized store (or other bike shop that does fitting) and buy new or just take a guess from past experiences and others recommendations, buy used if you can until you find the right one. I brought both my WTB's used off Farkin

Commenter: Osmund
I have a Fi:zi'k Vitesse on my new Giant Anthem (it came standard) and I actually really like it. I find it very comfy for longer rides (the longest ride is only 3 hours for me so far) and easy to get behind for the descents.

Also, I think that I have a Selle Italia XR on my hardtail and I liked this saddle a lot until I rode with the Fizik Vitesse.

Commenter: Zed42
I have a Specialized Avatar which so far this year has got me through the Mont, BMC and Dirtworks.

The shop I bought it off does a "Comfort Guarantee" where if you buy a saddle and take it away for a proper ride and end up hating it, you can bring it back and swap it. Might be worth checking if any of your local stores do a similar thing.

Commenter: AidenJ
My girlfriend has a Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow. I have sold many to female riders they just seem to have the best shape and comfort level.
 

GrooveJet

Likes Bikes
I have a WTB Devo it came standard on my Giant XTC2. Had some problems at first, but now it is very comfy. Maybe my butt just got used to it, but it works a treat. Havent tried many other saddles, so not of much help.
 

dragonfly

Likes Bikes
I use a Fi:z'ik Vitesse (actually my hubby bought it for me for Christmas - thankfully he got the black & white one not the pink one) and it's great! Padding is in all the right places and it's easy to slip on and off it. I have used a WTB saddle that had stitching at the front, which make my nix catch on it every time I tried to slide off or behind the saddle. Must have mooned the guys riding behind me a few times on one particular ride! :eek: Unfortunately I can't remember which one it was. Just watch out for any fancy stitching :D
 

kathiemt

Likes Bikes
I'm afraid the nearest I come to all of this is riding a stationery bike at home and wearing team colours when going to races my hubby rides in. I did get back on a bike some years ago but was very wobbly on the road and very nervous - guess I need to hop on a bike somewhere else to get my confidence back :confused:
 
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